Even though they are rarely life-threatening, ear mites in puppies and dogs can be quite irritating if they are not treated properly. Examine your options for dealing with them carefully.
Although ear mites in puppies and dogs are not as dangerous as ticks or heartworms, they can still be quite uncomfortable for your pet.
Ear mites can severely irritate and hurt the ears of your pet dog or puppy. These minuscule parasites can cause head shaking or scratching, rubbing of the ears, and secondary ear infections as they feed on the wax and oils in your dog’s ear canals.
You want your dog to be happy and healthy as a pet owner, so keep reading to find out more about the symptoms, signs, and dog ear mite treatment.
What do veterinarians advise for ear mites?
Cats rarely experience ear issues in general, but when they do, ear-mite infestation is a common diagnosis. Otodectes cynotiscan, often known as an ear mite, can only crawl; it cannot hop or fly. And if one of these tiny parasites creates a home in your cat’s ear, starts to breed, and doesn’t get out right once, it can really harm your cat.
The cat will hold its ears flat against its head, scratch at them virtually nonstop, and shake its head often as if trying to remove an irritant. The cat’s outer ear is likely to be inflamed. The mess they leave inside an infected animal’s ear canal—a dark, sticky, foul-smelling buildup of wax and mite debris—is another way to identify them.
According to William Miller Jr., VMD, a professor of dermatology at Cornell University’s College of Veterinary Medicine, “the animal will comb it away with its tongue and ingest it if the freshly acquired mite is strolling down a cat’s posterior or belly. However, if the parasite can enter the ear canal, where the cat’s paw or tongue can’t reach it, it will be safe.
Dr. Miller states that ear mites are “roughly the size of a pinhead,” which is practically miniscule. However, he points out that a naked eye can perceive their tiny, quickly moving bodies. He points out that ear mites are quite contagious, spreading from one cat to another through close contact and eventually getting into the ear. Whether they are fighting or cuddling, outdoor cats are more likely to get infested.
The cat owner should seek immediate veterinary care if ear mite infestation is suspected. In addition to easing the animal’s suffering, treatment can prevent infection brought on by the mutilation of the ears and face caused by persistent, aggressive scratching. Additionally, veterinary care can stop a serious ear condition called otitis externa, an infection of the outer ear that, if left untreated, can spread to the middle and inner ear and harm the ear drum, impairing the animal’s ability to hear and maintain balance permanently.
A veterinarian can quickly determine whether an animal has an infestation of ear mites by utilizing an otoscope, a device that resembles a flashlight and is used to examine the inner ear. The doctor will carefully remove a sample of ear debris for conclusive microscopic analysis with a cotton swab if the cat refuses to let this device approach its delicate ears.
In order to remove any wax or debris that can protect the mites from topical treatments, the cat’s ears should first receive a thorough cleaning. Dr. Miller points out that there are numerous topical, oral, and systemic treatments, and the majority—including ivermectin—are quite successful. Even one traditional cure, baby oil, can work. The mites may usually be killed by applying a few drops into the afflicted ear several times each day for about a month.
According to Dr. Miller, as long as the owner has been given the appropriate instructions by a veterinarian, further treatment for mites as well as continuing maintenance of a cat’s ears may typically be done at home.
How do I take care of my dog’s ear mites without seeing the doctor?
Although holistic physicians concur that commercial medicines are effective, puppies with ear mite infections may also have other common health issues that require care. To get rid of the pests using more natural remedies and let the veterinarian handle other problems could be less distressing. The first step is to clean the ears using calming treatments.
- Tea Rinse with Antiseptic. A natural antibacterial, green tea. It can be used to clear the puppy’s ear canal of all the crumbly brown or black ear mite detritus. A spoonful of green tea leaves should be steeped for three to four minutes in a cup of boiling water before being strained. Before applying it once per day for a month, allow it to cool to room temperature.
- Oil Therapy. Oil can float particles out and relieve irritated ears. The mites may potentially be suffocated by oil. It actually doesn’t matter what sort of oil you use, but some holistic veterinarians advise using almond or olive oil. Crush a few garlic cloves in a cup of oil and let it sit overnight for the finest results. Bacteria that could emerge as a result of the mite infection are naturally killed by garlic. Before treating your puppy’s ears with the oil, don’t forget to remove the garlic. For at least a month, you must daily apply the oil/garlic solution to the ears.
Do you require a prescription to buy dog ear mite medication?
A thorough ear cleaning is still required to remove the wax and debris from the ear, despite the fact that a number of prescription medicines are already on the market that can effectively eradicate an ear mite infection with a single application. These medications can be injected, injected into the skin behind the pet’s shoulders, injected straight into the ear, or, if the patient is a dog, given orally.
Milbemite, a topical variant of milbemycin oxime, and Acarexx, a topical version of ivermectin, are the two treatments currently available that are placed directly in the ear canal. Exclusively cats are eligible for these products, which are only accessible via veterinarians. It should just take one pill to completely eradicate the virus.
There are various topical parasite management options that can be applied behind the pet’s shoulders. A single dose of an active component like selamectin, moxidectin, flurilaner, or saralaner often cures an ear mite infestation. These substances enter the body through the skin and then reappear in the skin and ear secretions that the mite eats. These remedies effectively eliminate mites, and continuous usage will stop the spread of new ear mite infections. Depending on the composition, these medications may also kill intestinal worms, ticks, and fleas. They are made to be used regularly to control parasites. Since each of these items must be obtained by prescription, a recent veterinary checkup is necessary.
Simparica, Nexgard, Bravecto, and Credelio are the four isoxazoline medicines now available for oral usage in dogs. All are prescription medications that are approved to treat flea and tick infestations, but they also consistently eliminate ear mites in a single dose. The prevention of ear mites will continue with ongoing use.
Ivermectin, a potent anti-parasite drug, is used in a more recent but unapproved treatment. Ivermectin is very beneficial for animals that won’t accept having their ears directly treated. Ivermectin injection procedures often call for weekly or biweekly doses. There are several drawbacks to this extremely successful ear mite removal technique. Some dog breeds are sensitive to this drug and should not be given it. Breed cannot anticipate the same sensitivity shared by some individuals. Small animals cannot be treated for ear mites with injectable ivermectin. It is usually safer to use one of the single-use treatments that have been approved for use against ear mites.
An alternative strategy involves using the prescription topical ear drug Tresaderm (produced by Merial), which contains thiabendazole to eradicate yeasts and mites as well as an antibiotic to treat any secondary bacterial infections. The growing mite eggs can be killed by using this great ear product. This shortens the treatment period to 10–14 days and offers a great greasy lubricant for cleaning the ears. Even though veterinarians have long recommended this product, it is no longer cutting edge.
The majority of older and over-the-counter products contain insecticides that do not harm mite eggs that are incubating. This restriction necessitates the usage of such products for a minimum of the mite’s 21-day life cycle. A 30-day course of treatment with such products is advised by some physicians. The majority of pet supply stores carry these products, which do work, but three weeks of use is relatively inconvenient, and the animal may not always cooperate.
What is a natural cure for ear mites?
Remember that ear mites might be present on your other animals as well. Check them all, and if they do, you must treat everyone with the cures!
These options for cleaning your dog’s ears are considerably kinder than pharmaceutical remedies, and they’ll also get rid of the mites.
#1 Olive Oil
The following strategy is suggested by doctors of veterinary medicine Susan G. Wynne and Steve Marsden in the Manual of Natural Veterinary Medicine:
- Use olive oil to clean the ear.
- As much detritus as you can remove
- The oil aids in the mites’ suffocation.
- For two weeks, repeat this every three days.
Bonus: To hasten your dog’s healing, mix 1-3 drops of one of these essential oils into 1 oz. of olive oil:
- Peppermint (for its anesthetic effect)
- Catnip (helps control mites)
- Pain is reduced by St. John’s Wort (Hypericum).
- Calendula (heals the ear skin)
#2 Garlic Oil
Garlic oil is advised by herbalists Mary Wulff and Greg Tilford (Herbs For Pets). This is due to the fact that garlic contains sulphur, which mites detest and is a potent anti-parasitic. Because garlic has antibacterial and antifungal properties, it can aid in treating any secondary infections.
You may purchase garlic oil from health food stores or create your own by chopping up a few garlic cloves and mixing them with a cup of olive oil. Remove the garlic and store the oil in a glass jar after letting it settle for the night.
Twice daily, massage the oil into the ear. (Your dog might have an Italian restaurant-like odor!)
#3 Green Tea
Mites can be removed using green tea’s natural antibacterial properties. Additionally, it will aid in removing “coffee grounds debris.”
- In a cup of boiling water, add a tea bag or a tablespoon of loose green tea.
- After a few minutes, sieve the mixture.
- Allowing it to reach room temperature
- Put three to four drops of tea in each ear using a dropper.
- Gently stroke your dog’s ears—she should enjoy it!
- After that, use a cotton ball dipped in tea to clean her ears.
The best course of action is, of course, to avoid these parasites in the first place. So how do you go about doing that?
Can peroxide be used to treat dog ear mites?
Remember not to use cotton swabs and never clean more than one inch into the dog’s ear canal. This might harm the inner ear in addition to pushing wax and debris farther into the canal. Neither vinegar nor hydrogen peroxide should be used in a dog’s ears. A pH imbalance in the ear can be brought on by vinegar, and healthy cells can be harmed by hydrogen peroxide.
While some dogs may only require ear cleaning every few months, others can require it several times every week. Consult your vet for advice on how frequently to clean your dog’s ears.
Following are some suggestions for successful ear cleaning procedures:
Do:
- Prepare any equipment you might need before you begin.
- Choose a moment when your dog is peaceful and at ease.
- Utilize a cleaning agent that has been recommended by veterinarians
- For each ear, use brand-new, clean cotton rounds or balls.
- Give lots of compliments to make it a satisfying experience.
Don’t:
- Use hydrogen peroxide or vinegar as a cleaning agent.
- Avoid touching your dog’s ear with the bottle’s applicator since it can introduce bacteria.
Does over-the-counter treatment for ear mites work?
Cats frequently suffer from ear mite infections, but they can be avoided and managed at home.
Cats frequently contract ear mites, which are microscopic parasites that resemble spiders. Cats are not the only animals that can contract ear mites; dogs and other mammalian pets can also contract them. If left untreated, they can result in itchiness, infection, and hair loss (from excessive scratching). Fortunately, being treated is simple and affordable.
The following are signs of an ear mite infection:
- A dark, waxy discharge or crust that resembles coffee grinds on the outer ear canal
- little bleeding
- A lot of ear scratching
- Shaking the head frequently to shake the mites out
- The touch is painful to the ears.
- One-sided tilt of the head
Always keep in mind that ear mites are small and difficult to see without a magnifying glass. Consult your veterinarian if you are unsure whether your cat has an ear mite infection. He or she can quickly recognize mites and suggest the most effective course of action. Treatment
Once you’ve determined that your cat has ear mites, there are only a few easy measures involved in treatment. It’s crucial to adhere strictly to the treatment plan and see it through to completion. This will guarantee the complete destruction of the mite eggs and guard against re-infestation.
- First, clean your ears. Instead of using water to clean your cat’s ears, use an ear cleaner made specifically for cats. Water can remain in your cat’s ear and result in an ear infection. Follow the instructions on the ear cleaner carefully; if you’re unsure how to perform it, visit a veterinarian.
- 2. Take medication. Avoid using home treatments to treat the infection since they could damage your cat’s ears. Most pet stores sell ear mite medicine that is affordable, efficient, and over-the-counter. Make sure you carefully follow the instructions on the package.
- Third, re-clean the ear. Any lingering eggs or tough mites will be eliminated in this way. Remember that a re-infestation can be started by just a few surviving mites.
- for additional details about ear mite treatment.
If, after a month, your cat’s ear mite infestation is still present or if her ear is clearly raw or infected, you should see a veterinarian.
The spread of ear mites is very common. Treat all of your pets right away if even one of them has signs of ear mites. A new infestation might start with just a few misplaced eggs. Don’t worry, ear mites cannot infect humans.
As cats become older, their resistance to ear mite infections gradually increases. Cats that are young, live outdoors, or were adopted from animal shelters need to be examined more frequently. Cats with a history of illness or poor diet are also more susceptible.
One last point: Cats frequently have ear mites, but if therapy isn’t helping, it’s possible that your cat has another kind of illness. Consult your veterinarian if you’re unsure.
